THE CROW AND THE PITCHER

A crow who with thirst was ’most ready to die,

Looking upward in vain for clouds in the sky,

In the road spied a pitcher. Said he, “Well, I think

Perhaps in that jug is a very nice drink.”

And there was; but he found the water so low

His bill wouldn’t reach, though he stood on tip-toe;

After stooping and straining and trying in vain,

He stopped to consider the matter again.